In order to be on this list, a player must not have exhausted their rookie eligibility, either this season or in the past, and must have signed with a MLB team.

"A player shall be considered a rookie unless, during a previous season or seasons, he has (a) exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues; or (b) accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club."

My rankings combine scouting reports, statistical results (amateur and professional), pedigree, makeup, and personal opinion . Age and level are used only to gauge relative performance, i.e. when a player is significantly younger than most of his competitors. I do not use "closeness to the majors" as a factor in my rankings.

*Last I heard, there is significant contractual problems between Pedro Alvarez and Pittsburgh. Arguments by his advisor, Scott Boras, have also put Eric Hosmer's contract with Kansas City in question, despite MLB acceptance and approval of their signings by the August 15th deadline.

In order to be on this list, a player must not have exhausted their rookie eligibility, either this season or in the past, and must have signed with a MLB team.

"A player shall be considered a rookie unless, during a previous season or seasons, he has (a) exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues; or (b) accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club."

My rankings combine scouting reports, statistical results (amateur and professional), pedigree, makeup, and personal opinion. Age and level is used only to gauge relative performance (18 year old pitcher doing well in A+ against 20+ year olds = important). I do not use "closeness to the majors" as a factor in my rankings.